Trip to Ladakh with wife 

Ladakh is exotic in my eyes. Stark landscapes, blue blue skies, water so clear, a confluence of rivers and even camel riding can happen there! It all depends on what your interests are. Ladakh's high altitudes make it mandatory for one to acclimatize but once you settle in, I believe Ladakh will never leave your blood And I know this because a friend visited a few years back and has been planning a return trip there ever since!

Ladakh is broadly divided into 3 regions

• Leh - Comprises the eastern half of Ladakh and has several sightseeing spots.

• Nubra Valley - Nubra Valley lies in the old Silk Route from South to Central Asia. This is where the camel riding in Ladakh tends to happen

• Zanskar - Famous for its stunning scenery and Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries.

Weather

You have chosen the perfect time to visit Ladakh as it will be summers there. At this time, Ladakh is an unparalleled paradise, with clear, stunning views and warm and sunny weather – the average temperature range during the day is about 20–30°C. But keeping in mind the high altitude and location of the place, ensure that you are warmly clad to beat the chill of the wind.

Essentials that you should carry with you to cope with the climate in Ladakh are windcheaters, woollen clothing, thick socks, gloves, scarves, a hat or woolen cap, sturdy boots or walking shoes, sunscreen, lip balm and sun glasses.

Getting into Ladakh

Road

Buses run directly from either Manali or Srinagar to Leh. The journey takes two cold and gruelling days, and buses stop for the night at Keylong, one of the key stops to acclimatize yourself to the high altitudes. There are shared taxis available from Manali as well which start early in the morning but note that is a 24 hour ride to Leh.

If you come in from Srinagar, you can stop at Kargil which is enroute and potentially one of the best stops for acclimatization. Kargil is also a very beautiful area known for its rich apricot orchards apart from the important role it played in the last Indo-Pak war. So do check it out if you come in from Srinagar.

Flights

You will need to take flights from Delhi or Srinagar to Leh airport. I checked Cleartrip and the return flights I found from Delhi for roughly around those dates come to about 15k - 19k per person. Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Red and Jet Airways operate to Leh.

NOTE: I checked on Cleartrip and there are no flight available from Delhi - Leh from 17 - 20 July. So you might have to juggle your dates around if you intend flying in.

You can read this link here on Frommers about getting into Ladakh for more information.

Acclimatization

The atmosphere of Ladakh may cause ailments like Acute Mountain Sickness, a condition typical to anyone traveling to altitudes above 10,000 ft (2,700 m). Common symptoms of this ailment are headache, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing, breathlessness, exhaustion, lack of concentration, etc.

So, in order to acclimatize yourself in Ladakh, rest for the first 24 hours after arrival, especially if you have come by air. Try avoiding any kind of physical exertion for some time, after you reach.

If you take rest for the first 24 hours and avoid any strenuous activity for the next 12 hours, then, your body will get used to the lower oxygen level of Ladakh in 2-3 days.

My own RECOMMENDATION is that due to time constraints, a flight into Leh might work out in your best interests. But do take note of the acclimatization issues you are likely to face.

But if you feel that time is not a factor and you would want to experience entering Ladakh on the road, please do so. I guarantee that it would result in a once in a lifetime experience for sure.

Accommodation

I would advise staying in Leh and using that a base camp for your activities in Ladakh.

Most top-end (A Class, the equivalent of three stars) hotels will charge around Rs 2,500 up for a double occupancy

• The Dragon - RECOMMENDED. Started in 1974, this is one of the oldest hotels in Leh. With tariffs starting at 2.7k, this is eminently affordable. You can read the Frommers review here.

• Omasila - RECOMMENDED. Omasila enjoys a peaceful setting & their tariffs start from Rs 2300 - Rs 3800. Read the Tripadvisor reviews to know why you should be spending your night here! 

• Spic n Span - RECOMMENDED. It is located in the heart of Leh town easily accessible to the main market, post office, airlines booking offices and taxi stand. Also recommended for its excellent food. Tariffs start at Rs 2600. Read why you should be staying here for more. (Tel: 01982 - 252765)

• Oriental Guest House- Located at Shanti Stupa which is at a distance from the centre of Leh. You can check their tariffs here and reviews here.

• The Grand Dragon - Expensive hotel with completely modern amenities. Their rates start at Rs 6500 - 8500. You can read reviews on Tripadvisor here.

• Lha-Ri-Sa Resort- They call themselves a deluxe boutique hotel and their tariffs start at Rs 3350. You can read reviews here.

Things to Do

Many places in Ladakh need an inner line permit which is available for free in DC's office in Ladakh. A travel agent can also arrange the permit for Rs 100 per person within an hour on any working day. I would RECOMMEND that you do most of your sightseeing through a travel agent based out of Leh. This will reduce your own shopping around for deals and allow you stress free travel in Ladakh.

• Do visit Hemis Monastery which is the largest monastery of Ladakh

• If you are into trekking go to the Padum Valley in Zanskar and trek away to your heart's content

• Check out the meditation centre at Choglamsar that offers meditation courses

• MUST SEE the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers

• Take the time out and drive along Khardung-La, the highest motorable road in the world just 39km from Leh. This will lead you to Nubra Valley where you will get the camel ride I have been going on about! Note: Khardung-La requires a permit so please make sure you procure one.

• Drop in at Thikse monastery which is one of the best-preserved and most colourful monasteries, built in the traditional piled-up pyramid above the town. Catch your breath and climb up to the top to view the large Buddha.

• Wind your way up to Alchi which dates back to the 11th Century. The drive enroute is said to be stunning and 'magnetic' so go go go here for sure!

• Do visit the beautiful salt lakes of Pangong & Tsomoriri. Both will require an overnight stay and "restricted area" inner line permit.

• Try skyu, a heavy pasta dish with root vegetables - Ladakhi to the core

• If you like your beer, try chang, which is the local beer traditionally made from barley

Festivals

There are a whole bunch of festivals happening in July when you visit. Do check here for more on that.

But the biggest is Confluence which is happening from July 15-18. Musicians, artists and travelers from around the world will unite in the breathtaking mountain kingdom for an incredible cultural experience. Check the schedule here to see why maybe, just maybe you should think about preponing your dates to get into Ladakh.

Some useful websites

I put together a collection of links which offer information on Ladakh which you can use for reference. Check them out

• Reach Ladakh.com
• Leh-Ladakh.com
• Ladakh Ecological Footprint
• VisitLadakh.com

Personal experiences

Read more here on how Vijay had a great time in Ladakh. He has given loads of information right from hiring taxis to what to do whilst in Leh.

If you think you would like more information on tour packages, trekking information or on where to find that perfect momo in Ladakh, do write back and I would be more than happy to help.

Have fun holidaying in Ladakh!

Cheers

Kirti